Conservative US bishop calls FSSPX just another Protestant sect: In a YouTube video posted on 13 July, conservative Bishop Thomas Paprocki of Springfield in Illinois, USA, said that the main problem with the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X is their defiance of papal authority. 'By disobeying the Pope and rejecting the teachings of the Second Vatican Council, the Priestly Fraternity of Saint Pius X has essentially become another Protestant sect that believes it is right and the Pope is wrong.' Monsignor Paprocki also noted that, while there are currently 53,000 Christian denominations, Christ founded only one Church.
Bishop Paprocki on SSPX: "The Society of St. Pius X is now basically another Protestant sect that thinks they are right and the pope is wrong”
A 5.1-magnitude earthquake struck Peru's Junín region on July 18, killing at least five people, injuring more than 20, and causing widespread damage. The historic Santiago Apóstol Parish in Chongos Bajo was among the hardest hit, with its roof, façade, and centuries-old altars collapsing. Father Henry Díaz said much of the church nave gave way, deep cracks spread through the walls, and the bell tower is now dangerously unstable. Amid the destruction, however, a statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary remained standing untouched, which Father Díaz described as a powerful sign of hope. Peru's Catholic bishops have offered prayers and are appealing for support to restore the historic parish.
The monk who disappeared during the night of June 23–24 from Notre-Dame de Bellaigue Abbey in central France was Dom Placide Dumas, prior of the monastery. His absence was discovered at Matins the following morning. More than two days later, he was found injured in the neighboring department of Haute-Vienne. French prosecutors opened an investigation for kidnapping and unlawful confinement. French media report that he was found bearing injuries consistent with an assault, although authorities have not disclosed the nature of his injuries or explained how he came to be in Haute-Vienne. Eleven monks allegedly attempted to take control of the monastery on the same night that Dom Placide disappeared. An email sent from Dom Placide's account announced his resignation as prior. Investigators are trying to determine whether he wrote it voluntarily, under duress, or whether someone else sent it. They also reportedly found his room completely emptied and carefully cleaned, suggesting his departure …More
Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, Scotland, issued a pastoral letter on Saturday ahead of the planned episcopal consecration of Fr. Michael Mary, F.SS.R., superior general and founder of the Transalpine Redemptorists. The "consecration" is scheduled to take place on July 25 on Papa Stronsay in Orkney. It is performed by three Sedevacantist "bishops" from the Americas. Bishop Gilbert said the consecration would constitute an act of schism. He compared it with the July 1 consecration of four bishops by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Pius X. The bishop noted that the planned consecration directly concerns the Diocese of Aberdeen because Papa Stronsay lies within its geographical boundaries. At the same time, Bishop Gilbert expanded the provision of the Mass in the Roman rite at the Church of Our Lady of the Garioch and St. John the Evangelist in Fetternear. The Mass, previously offered once a month, will now be celebrated every Sunday. After the Transalpine Redemptorists became Sedevacantist …More
On Tuesday, a woman in her 50s was seriously injured after being stabbed during the morning Rosary at Holy Cross Church in Tramore, Co. Waterford, Ireland. The attack occurred at around 9:45 a.m., shortly before the church's 10 a.m. Mass. Parishioners quickly intervened and alerted emergency services. The victim was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police arrested an Irish man in his 30s at a nearby house. According to Irish reports, the suspect was not known to the victim but was known to police. The parish priest, Fr. Richard O'Halloran, described the attack as "random in nature." "It has been a very shocking event," Fr. O'Halloran said. "The people and my colleague who was there at the time responded wonderfully well. All the emergency services were called, and they looked after everything." In a statement, the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore said it was "deeply shocked" by the violence. #newsPkskyldybf
Vance Praises Francis as "Genius": In a recent interview with Bishop Robert Barron, U.S. Vice President JD Vance praised Pope Francis, saying: "I always liked the way Pope Francis would make bold statements in the media because it forced people to talk about them. Sometimes he would say things that made me think, 'Wait a second, is that consistent or correct?'" However, the politician concluded that Francis had "forced a dialogue, and he was kind of a genius at that".
U.S. Vice President JD Vance praised Pope Francis in a recent interview with Bishop Robert Barron for being a “kind of genius” at forcing conversation with rhetorical “bombs.”
Vatican News Documentary Blocked Following RAI Copyright Claim: The Vatican has blocked access to its documentary Leone a Roma after a copyright claim involving Italy's public broadcaster, RAI. A notice on VaticanNews.va stated that the video had been made unavailable due to content claimed by RAI. The documentary recounts Leo XIV's years in Rome prior to his election, and was produced by the Dicastery for Communication, which has been criticised for its incompetence and high costs. This incident is notable because the Vatican and RAI have a long-standing partnership in broadcasting and media production. The reason for the copyright claim has not yet been publicly clarified.